Office of Law AdmissionsOhio Northern UniversityPettit College of LawTilton Hall of Law, Room 119525 South Main StreetAda, OH 45810Phone: 419-772-2211Toll-free: 877-452-9668Fax: 419-772-3042lawadmissions@onu.edu

Hours:Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Summer Starter FAQs

Is there an additional application I need to fill out other than the main ONU Law School application?
No, the Office of Law Admissions reads through every JD application to determine whether or not a student should be invited to interview for the Summer Starter Program. If selected, an invitation to interview will be sent to you at the e-mail address and mailing address we have on record.

When should I apply to be considered for this program?

Summer Starter Interviews begin early February. Applications for the Summer Starter Program will be accepted from early September through the end of May. We encourage students to apply earlier rather than later because once the SSP class is filled, interviews are no longer granted.

Do I have to do an on-campus interview to be considered for a position in the Summer Starter Program?

Yes, only you and your presence can convince us of your desire to attend law school and become a successful attorney. Each year approximately 75 students are interviewed to fill 30 available seats.

Is there a minimum GPA required from the credits earned during the Summer Starter Program to stay in the law school, and what if I don't make it?

Summer Starter students have until the end of the spring semester to establish (or maintain) good academic standing. The Summer Starter Program is a nonconditional qualifier program. You are automatically enrolled in the fall class following successful conclusion of the SSP.

What is the cost of the Summer Starter Program?

Students will be charged the summer per credit hour rate of $700/hour. Housing is mandatory and is an additional $820 for the summer. In total, the Summer Starter Program costs $6,420. With ONU's new reduced tuition, Summer Starter students will be charged a total of $31,890 for their entire first year of law school, which is comparable to most private law schools (and even some public law schools) without the benefits of the Summer Starter Program.

Can I receive any financial aid as a Summer Starter?

Summer Starter's are not eligible for any merit-based scholarships, however grants can be provided depending on availability and proven need. For more information on student loans, contact the Office of Financial Aid: 419-772-2272.

All Summer Starter Program students are required to live on campus for the eight weeks of the program. Students can then chose to either stay on campus or move off-campus for the rest of their tenure at ONU. Students will be able to register for on-campus housing once their seat deposit is submitted. Visit ONU Law's housing page for pictures and layouts of the on-campus law facilities. If you have a spouse or family and prefer not to live in on-campus housing, off-campus accommodations are available.

Can I graduate early if I successfully complete this program?

Yes. ONU offers several classes during the Summer and January Terms for rising second and third year students. Taking a full course load and Summer or January Term classes would enable you to graduate in December of your third year.

Do Summer Starter Student's typically end up doing well in Law School?

Absolutely! Many of our Summer Starter students move on to be in the top of their classes. Having the extra eight credits and being familiar with law school classes and exams prior to the start in the fall truly gives the SSP students an added advantage.

For more information or for answers to specific questions you may have, please contact the Associate Director of Law Admissions, Rachel Frey at 419-772-2758 or via e-mail r-edwards.2@onu.edu.